Exploring the political landscape

2nd May 1997 by Jack Thorne - Colchester Mercury Studio, Sat October 24.

With very apt timing this new play by award winning company nabokov explores the every changing fortunes of those who make politics their life against the background of New Labour's landslide victory in 1997. On a simple set which sufficed for three separate bedrooms we suffer with Tory MP, Robert, as he faces loosing his seat after a lifetime career, look at the possibilities through the eyes of Lib Dem foot soldier, Ian, and get caught up in the excitement of the beckoning future with party activist teenagers Jake and Will.

This play was all about the balance of life - one mans success is another mans defeat, and the first scene was a beautiful portrayal of this not only for the aging politician raging at the unfairness but the long suffering wife who had given everything to his career with little in return.

The second scene between Ian and party crasher Sarah, who is so drunk she goes home with him by mistake, was not quite so well executed and although followed the idea of disappointment in the face of hope nevertheless would have been better if the young man had been a Labour activist.

The third scene between the two boys - one fired up and ready to go to Cambridge to pursue the dream the other only fired up about his awakening sexuality towards his friend was subtly done and caught the mood exactly.

The main criticism was the pace. There were so many unnecessary pauses and meaningful looks and silences that the well written script was in danger of suffering from atrophy. You just longed for them to get on with it. At least half and hour could have been taken off the running time which would have made it a much better production. Oh yes - and the nudity was fairly pointless.

Susan Hawkes